Sore, blurry, out-of-focus, and dry eyes are more common than ever. If you're finding that you're experiencing these symptoms, or even general eye strain, it's not your imagination at work. Here's why you and many others are experiencing much more eye strain than people of generations past.

Onslaught of Screens

There's one big difference between people living in the 1900s, onward to now, and those who came before the 1900s: screens. Whether an old fashioned television set, a modern computer, or a smartphone, screens are everywhere.

Computer screens project light in order for you to see them regardless of the lighting situation you're in. When you're in a bright room, your screen gets even brighter so that it isn't washed out. After hours of using your phone per day, even if you don't watch TV or use computers much, it can have a serious impact on your eyes. You're far more likely to experience eye strain staring at a screen for a long time than someone who didn't.

Blue Light

In the old days, people were exposed to one main source of blue light: the sun. That's right, the blue light that's known to be so dangerous for your vision, and a leading cause of macular degeneration, was once produced solely by the sun. However, as electric lighting and screens came into use, that all changed. Now, all modern electronic screens display blue light as part of their spectrum. Chances are, you're exposed to more blue light from your screens everyday than you are by the sun, as most people know to protect themselves from excessive sunlight.

More Focusing

Even when you're not looking at a screen, more than ever, people are focused on fixed objects for hours at a time. Reading is classically known for causing eye strain and making things uncomfortable for book lovers. The eyes are designed to move regularly, which is why focusing on something further away than a computer screen can be helpful in reducing eye strain.

As you can see, there are more ways than ever for you to develop eye strain and all of its related issues. If you're concerned about your eyes, it's a good idea to get a new pair of glasses on a regular basis. This will ensure that your prescription is up to date and that your eyes experience as little strain as possible. Talk to your opthamology specialist about blue light coatings and take the time to rest your eyes regularly to avoid future eye strain.